Galaxy Watch 4 (LTE / 4G feature not what it seems)

[EdClarke]

FYI

The LTE/4G feature of this watch requires an additional data plan (at cost) and also a Samsung phone. It won't work with other Android phones such as Pixel and existing data plans.

Disappointed as LTE/4G is a really good reason to get this watch.

[EdClarke]

It's an e-sim that replicates the phone's sim (with its plan), essentially like pulling your sim card out of one phone and putting it in another. It's still the same sim and data package, not "extra".

[BrendonH]

It is extra as it is not sharing your data. It comes with its own data package.

Its an esim yes but it is a separate sim. My phone has an esim does that mean my phone should not have to pay for the service it is being provided?

You need to pay for the service. Why should you get something for free?

[Chris_B]

@EdClarke  Not at all.   It’s linked via your account it doesn’t have the same number it’s has its own number for the connection and data usage.    The cost is for that connection and data the calls/text come from your phone allowance because you’ve already paid.   The watch can not share the connection to the network so therefore needs its own number and so therefore also has its own data that is paid for.  

[EdClarke]

I like the watch so will go for the BT version. Seems like the 4G version has a very narrow window of opportunity due to vendor lock-in.

[walkerx]

The 4G version (especially the 46mm Classic) has better battery and you get more on trade-in (if trading in an old watch) and a larger Google Voucher (if still available).

Just because it's a 4G version doesn't mean you need to add a 4G plan for it to work, you can just disable the mobile data option and use as a standard BT device connected to your phone.

The benefit of the 4G version is the ability to be able to use it without the need of carting your mobile around with you, when you are out an about. Even though I probably won't use it all the time, I've chosen the 4G version as I sometimes leave my phone at home and even if out of range from my phone at home, it means I'll still get calls and texts messages.

Just because it uses the call and text plan, doesn't mean you don't have to pay for the connection as the device still needs to communicate with the mobile network, EE still need to put in routing, etc for the calls and texts to be received on your watch without the user having to be forwarded like the old days.

Also remember the shared plans (not sure if they are still about), but with those you shared the data from main account but still had to pay for the service. this is the same for the watch, you still need to pay for the service if you want to use it on 4G.